Understanding the value of themes in literature

by Julie Tagg (Think and Write for CSEC English)

Definition of theme

A theme in literature is a concept or message that is explored throughout a work. Literary themes are universal in nature, meaning that they are ideas that not only apply to the specific characters and events of a book or play, but also express broader truths about human experience. These themes can be applied to our own lives and help us gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.

See examples of themes in “For the life of Laetitia,” by Merle Hodge, “Anansi” by Alistair Campbell, Theme for English B by Langston Hughes.

All literary works have themes that explore various topics such as love, race, class, forgiveness, pain, family, childhood, adulthood and so on. A single work can have multiple themes, and many different works can explore the same or similar themes. Themes are categorized into two types, thematic concepts, and thematic statements. The thematic concept of a work refers to the overarching topic it touches upon, while the thematic statement is what the work says about that topic. It is rare for themes to be explicitly stated in the text. You can often identify a work’s themes by looking for a recurring symbol, motif, or phrase that appears again and again throughout the story, as it often signifies a recurring concept or idea.

Function of themes

Themes play a critical role in literature as they provide the underlying messages that readers take away from a work of art. They represent the universal lessons and ideas that we derive from our experiences with literature, and they are one of the most significant reasons why people read books.

It is almost impossible to write a narrative that does not include any kind of theme. Even if the story seems to be incoherent, readers will still discern a theme about meaninglessness and incoherence. Themes are, in that sense, an intrinsic part of almost all writing. The themes that a writer chooses to explore will significantly affect how they write the text.

Some writers have a clear idea of the themes they want to explore from the start of their writing process, while others may have a vague idea, or their ideas may evolve as they write. However, in either case, the writer’s thoughts on their themes will influence how they choose to write. They may use different literary devices such as symbolism, imagery, and tone to convey their themes and create a more profound impact on their readers.

It is crucial to understand that the process of identifying and interpreting themes is subjective. Each reader’s experience is personal, and their interpretation of a work’s themes is part of what makes literature so compelling. Reading a book is not a one-way experience in which the writer imparts their thoughts on life to the reader, already distilled into clear thematic statements. Instead, the process of reading and interpreting a work to discover its themes is an exchange in which readers analyze the text to tease out the themes that are most relevant to their personal experiences and interests.

In conclusion, themes are a crucial aspect of literature. They provide readers with the ability to take away valuable lessons and ideas from the work of art. The themes that a writer chooses to explore will impact how they write the text, and the process of identifying and interpreting themes is subjective, making literature a personal experience for each reader.

How do you identify a theme?

Literary works, whether they are essays, novels, poems, or any other form of literature, are not just simple narratives but usually contain deeper meanings. These meanings are known as themes, which are essential concepts or ideas that the author wants to convey to the reader. Themes are not always explicitly stated in the text, but they are something that every reader can perceive.

When analyzing a literary work, it is essential to consider both the plot and the theme. The plot is the sequence of events that take place in the story, whereas the theme is the underlying message or idea that the story conveys. The plot provides the skeleton of the story and sets the stage for the theme to come into play.

Some writers have a clear idea of the theme they want to explore before they start writing, while others let the theme emerge as they write. The latter often allows for a more organic and authentic development of the theme. The themes in a literary work can be complex and can have multiple interpretations. Therefore, each reader can come away with a different understanding of the themes presented in a work.

Symbol, Motif, and Leitwortstil

Writers often use three literary devices, known as symbol, motif, and leitwortstil, to emphasize or hint at the underlying themes of their work. Identifying these devices can help readers recognize where to look for the main themes of a text.

A symbol is anything that represents another thing. In literature, a symbol is usually a tangible object, person, place, or action that represents something intangible. Symbols may occur infrequently in a story and represent an emotion that is not necessarily related to a theme. However, if similar symbols cluster together, they often form an overarching motif, which reinforces the central themes of a work.

A motif is an idea or element that recurs throughout a work of literature. It is often a collection of symbols that help reinforce the central themes of a work.

Leitwortstil is a literary device in which writers use repeated phrases to highlight important themes and concepts in a work. It is less common than a motif.

It is important to note that symbols, motif, and leitwortstil are simply techniques that authors use to emphasize themes, and should not be confused with the actual thematic content at which they hint. Recognizing these tools and patterns can give readers valuable clues about the underlying themes of a work.

Thematic Concepts vs. Thematic Statements

A work’s thematic concept is the broader topic, for instance:

Love

Forgiveness

while its thematic statement is the argument the writer makes about that concept through his or her work, such as:

Love cannot be bought.

Forgiving someone shows maturity.

Identifying thematic statements

When trying to identify or describe the thematic statement within a particular work, it can be helpful to analyze various aspects of the text. For instance, one could examine

The plot: What are main elements in the story? What are the most important events or moments in the story? How does the story end? Was the conflict resolved? How was the conflict resolved?

The Protagonist: Who is the main character, and what happens to him or her? How does he or she develop as a person over the course of the story?

Important symbols and motifs: Can you find any motifs or symbols that are common or outstanding in the work? Look at the title, or repeat moments that are vital to the story or that might reflect some of the main themes?